in banking stocks despite reports of a dispute with its largest shareholder temasek, but weakness in energy majors offset gains on that market due to slumping oil prices overnight. japanese stocks pushed higher in late trade following the u.s. presidential debate where governor romney the pro business candidate appeared to outshine president obama. so the nikkei rebounded off a four week low with automakers and financials surging. but tech shares lost ground after hewlett-packard's profit warning. hp contract makers in taiwans also felt the pain with the computer share sub index losing 1.6%, but tmanaged to close fla. we saw a bit of profit taking on samsung electronics ahead of its q3 earnings guidance tomorrow. australian miners were lower, but banks lent support to the afx 200 ending at a 14 month high. weaker than expected august retail sales added to the case for further interest rate cuts. sensex stronger by 1% at the moment. >> let's pick it up with the european markets. equity to modest moves ahead of the bank of england rate decision. we'll have that for you live. louisa will help